Top Spots for Dim Sum

Our Local Expert Says:

One of the best spots in town for authentic dim sum.

Description:

Yum Cha is one of the best places in Singapore to experience dim sum in an authentic setting. Tucked away at the top of a hidden staircase in the middle of bustling Chinatown, this popular restaurant packs in local families and tourists alike, creating a buzzing and convivial atmosphere. Saturday lunchtime is obviously a busy time to visit but has the added attraction of trolley service, making Yum Cha one of the few places in Singapore still to practise this old tradition.

The menu includes a wide choice of Chinese and local Singaporean dishes, but the majority of people flock here at lunchtime to indulge in a dim sum feast. Perennial favourites such as Har Gao (prawn dumplings), Xiao Long Bao (steamed pork Shanghai dumplings) and Char Siu Bao (barbecue pork buns) are all available, and other standouts include the Prawn and Mango Rolls and the Pan Fried Pork Pancake. Get here early or be prepared to queue.

Our Local Expert Says:

Great choice for an upmarket Chinese meal or dim sum lunch

Description:

This well established London-based Chinese restaurant chain has chosen world-famous Raffles Hotel for its Singapore base, providing a distinguished setting for an intimate meal. The duck-egg blue walls, high domed ceiling and crisp white linen table cloths let you know that you are in for a refined dining experience, while the well-executed Chinese dishes ensure your tastebuds are satisfied. Signature dishes include lobster noodles, crispy duck in pancake, roast suckling pig and traditional dim sum items.

Our Local Expert Says:

Great choice for a business dinner, romantic meal or leisurely dim sum lunch.

Description:

The Crystal Jade group of restaurants was established in Singapore in 1991 and now boasts multiple restaurants across Asia. Crystal Jade Golden Palace on the 5th floor of Paragon Shopping Centre is probably their most elegant restaurant, providing a sophisticated setting for a high-quality Cantonese meal. The red, black and gold decor oozes class, service is attentive and a lengthy wine list accompanies a comprehensive menu. A great choice for a business dinner, romantic meal or leisurely dim sum lunch.

Description:

Yan Ting is an elegant Chinese restaurant located at The St. Regis Singapore. Traditional and contemporary Chinese art provide a regal setting, while the menu presents authentic Cantonese cuisine, in a modern presentation. A la carte, dim sum and special set menus are offered at lunch, while innovative tasting menus with wine pairing headline dinnertime recommendations. An extensive wine list and selection of Chinese tea are available to accompany your meal.

Our Local Expert Says:

Reliable, high-quality Cantonese food.

Description:

The Crystal Jade group of restaurants was established in Singapore in 1991. Renowned for their reliable, good quality Cantonese fare, the group now boasts multiple restaurants across Asia. Crystal Jade Dining IN at Vivocity provides a sophisticated setting with views across the harbour to Resorts World Sentosa.

Floor to ceiling windows make for a bright and cheerful ambience at lunch time, while service is brisk and efficient. A great choice for a dim sum lunch, family gathering, or romantic meal.

Description:

Dim Joy, literally means "a place to gather" but is also a tongue-in-cheek reference to the dim sum they serve. Located in a corner shophouse on Neil Road in Chinatown, Dim Joy offers good quality dim sum in a casual modern environment. This is one of the few places in Singapore where you can sample dim sum from morning through to night time. Reference guides to chopstick, finger-tapping and teapot refill etiquette will keep the dim sum novice in check. A good selection of Chinese tea complements the menu and cool evenings allow for al fresco courtyard dining. Dim Joy is closed on Tuesdays.

Description:

This classy Chinese-Cantonese restaurant is located in an equally classy hotel. Decor tends towards the serious, almost sombre side. Darker shades of brown wood paneling are decorated with modern art pieces. The chairs are smoothly covered in leather. Jiang-Nan Chun's menu is filled with classic Cantonese cuisine innovatively served. Shark's fin and fish dishes, as well as the utterly delicious roasted pigeon, are served here. Set lunches offer good value for money. The wine list is well thought out, comprising a commendable selection from France and America.

Description:

This classy restaurant serves mainly new-age Cantonese fare. The unusual decor combines the elegance of steel and wood with the traditional flair of antiques from China, Burma and Vietnam. The menu changes seasonally, but what is especially recommended are the innovative abalone dishes, roast goose and fish dishes. Sautéed scallops with young coconut and bell pepper suggests a touch of East-West fusion. The range of set menus should please most palates. The wine list is rather limited, but thoughtfully selected. There are wines from both the Old and New World.

Description:

The Crystal Jade group of restaurants was established in Singapore in 1991 and now boasts multiple restaurants across Asia. Crystal Jade Palace on the 4th floor of Ngee Ann City Shopping Centre is their flagship store, providing an elegant setting for a high-quality Cantonese meal. Popular with families, business associates and couples alike. Extremely popular for weekend dim sum breakfast and lunch, so be prepared to queue.

Description:

Red Star is where to go for an authentic dim sum experience. Located on the 7th floor of an HDB block close to Chinatown, this big, noisy, chaotic restaurant offers up a slice of nostalgia and is one of the few places you can still experience Dim Sum traditionally served from pushcarts wheeled through the restaurant. This means no menus, so be prepared to grab a trolley as it passes by and take your pick from the treasures within. Despite the long queues, the quality of food is not the best in the city, but it's worth a visit for the novelty factor.